The Pontifical North American College plays a unique role in the Catholic Church in North America.

Established in 1859 by Blessed Pius IX, it has formed over 5,000 priests. Currently, more than 250 men are undergoing formation at the seminary as reported by the college. The PNAC recently hosted the 30th edition of its annual Rector’s Dinner.

The Rector’s Dinner is a special occasion to honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the life of the College and the Church. This year, the College bestowed the Rector’s Award upon two individuals: His Eminence Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop of Washington and an alumnus of the College, and Mrs. Lory Mondaini. Mrs. Mondaini served as the secretary to seven rectors for over 39 years. Many of the priests trained at the College have hailed her as the heart and soul of the seminary.

Lory Mondaini, PNAC Rector’s Secretary and 2024 Rector’s Award Honoree, told EWTN Vatican, “I feel like their mom and for years I would always say that they were my boys. You know, I always felt like the proud Mama. And to see a lot of them really becoming bishops and archbishops, was a true honor for me and an incredible joy. And it’s been really an incredible experience for me to be here as the Rector’s Secretary and to be able to witness so many of these men who came here to study in preparation for the priesthood and who would go back to their home diocese as wonderful priests.”

Cardinal Gregory, an alumnus of the College, shared with us the special role the PNAC has for the Church in North America.

“This particular seminary,” the Cardinal stated, “because it is located in Rome, provides the opportunity for these young men to get a grasp of the universality of the Church, and to encounter that on several different levels. They study with young men who are from different parts of the country, and then we have Australia. We’ve had Australians, we now have some young men who themselves are immigrants, so they bring their heritage, but they do it in the context of the city of Rome, where they must develop a positive and a deep affection for the one who sits on the Chair of Peter. So, it puts them in contact with the Holy Father, and with this particular Holy Father, he enjoys that opportunity to be with His people.”

Serving under seven Rectors and accompanying some thousands of seminarians in navigating the Eternal City, Lory has made so many memories. We asked her if any one in particular stood out. “There are just so many,” she said, “I could write a book. I’ve made so many friends and then and just going there, just being present for the students here. In the beginning, I felt sort of like an older sister to many of them. And then obviously it was years going by and getting older, I started feeling like a mom and just seeing them come to say hello and come to the office and spend a few minutes with me and just to have a chat here and there and just to listen to some of their stories and be able to be part of their lives.”

Adapted by EWTN staff

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